Vintage
HSTE's acquisition of an unmolested, early AOPA-only Breitling Navitimer 806 offers a fascinating look into a highly coveted vintage pilot's watch. This post highlights why this specific reference is considered a grail for many collectors, particularly those with a personal connection to aviation. HSTE delves into the unique 'AOPA-only' dial variant, its historical context for the US market, and the 'WOG' stamp confirming its origin.
...... classy, non-busy dials, I consider this watch to be a grail design like the AP RO, like a PP Nautilus, like a Omega Speedy, like a JLC Reverso etc. and it therefore belongs into any serious collection (or museum for that matter ;-)
Moreover, I got my Private Pilot License back in the mid-1990ies when I lived in the Netherlands (Hilversum Airfield) and therefore I wanted the Navitimer to be an AOPA one. This one is from the very end of 1962 or very early 1963. It is an "AOPA-only" i.e. no "Breitling" on the dial which was - as far as I know - only done for the US market. The "WOG" stamp on the movement confirms delivery to the US.
Cheers, HSTE
The Navitimer reference 806 is a notable early iteration of Breitling's slide rule chronograph, distinguished by its comprehensive circular slide rule bezel. This reference established many of the visual and functional characteristics that would define the Navitimer line for decades. It represents a foundational piece in the development of the brand's instrument watches, designed for calculations relevant to navigation.
The watch features a 40 mm stainless steel case, housing a manual-wind Venus 178 column-wheel chronograph caliber. This movement provides a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. The dial is black, protected by an acrylic crystal, and the watch offers a water resistance of 30 meters. The bi-directional rotating bezel is integral to the slide rule function.
For collectors, the reference 806 is significant as an early example of the Navitimer, appealing to those interested in the historical progression of aviation-related timepieces. Its production span saw variations in dial printing and sub-dial configurations, which are points of interest for specialized collectors. The model's enduring design has influenced subsequent generations of the Navitimer.
Don't know why, as you stated it's a very busy dial, I'm hooked on those old Breitilings. Congratulations, Nilo
Cheers, HSTE
And yes I agree Navitimer is one of cult watches in history of horology. Cheers D
Cheers, HSTE
Cheers, HSTE
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